A Lively Experiment Podcast

A Lively Experiment is a weekly News & Politics program on Rhode Island PBS. Tune in each Friday at 7:00 pm for new episodes regarding the political climate in Rhode Island.

Subscribe via:

This week on A Lively Experiment, a new poll reveals where local election officials stand with Rhode Islanders. Plus, the state Board of Election responds to election process concerns. We’ll also hear the local take on the Vice-Presidential debate. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Political Contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch, and GOP Strategist Jesus Solorio.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the response to a computer hack in the Providence School system. Plus, when can we really expect the Washington Bridge to be fixed? And in North Kingstown, the fight to retain a controversial seawall. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers, and political contributor Pablo Rodriguez.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the Washington Bridge saga takes a turn when crews are told to stop working to preserve evidence. What does that mean for commuters? Plus, local analysis of the presidential race. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter Steph Machado, Democratic Strategist Rob Horowitz, and attorney and former Governor Almond’s Chief of Staff, Rob Horowitz.


This week on A Lively Experiment, the local take on the Presidential Debate, low voter turnout in Rhode Island’s primary races, and news on a few fronts about the troubled Washington Bridge. Joining moderator Jim Hummel for Outrages and Kudos are political contributor Don Roach, Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, and Political Contributor Bob Walsh.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools by 3 years. Plus, the local take on Kamala Harris’ first extended interview since becoming the presidential nominee. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller, Former State Representative Nick Gorham, and Paige Clausius-Parks of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state sues firms that worked on the Washington Bridge and what this might mean for Governor McKee. Plus, can Kamala Harris keep up the momentum after the convention? Joining Jim Hummel are Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of The Economic Progress Institute.

This week on A Lively Experiment, why the AG says the Washington Bridge lawsuit needs his approval, plus the timeline for replacement. Also, is shoreline access about to change for Rhode Island beachgoers? Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Former National Committeeman of the RI GOP, Steve Frias.

This week on A Lively Experiment, what’s new with the Washington Bridge? Plus, Dominick Ruggierio answers his challenger’s call to follow Biden’s lead and drop out of the state Senate race, and we’ll get the local take on Harris’ VP pick. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are WPRI Investigative Reporter Ted Nesi, Retired URI Political Professor, Maureen Moakly, and Founder of Watchdog RI, Ken Block.

This week on A Lively Experiment, proponents of Con Con get their turn to testify. Plus, examining the consequences of a sharp rise in uncontested General Assembly seats. And the AG puts agencies withholding public records on notice. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Ray Rickman, Republican strategist Lisa Pelosi, and Billy Hunt of the Libertarian Party of Rhode Island.

This week on a Lively Experiment, rising opposition to a constitutional convention. Plus, the General Assembly pushes the governor’s proposed budget to $14 billion, and why 500 Providence kids are in urgent need of dental care. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are former Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Guckian, Rhode Island Current Reporter Nancy Lavin, and Political Commentator Pablo Rodriguez.